Is there not still a prophet of the LORD here, that we may inquire of Him?” So the king of Israel said to Jehoshaphat, “There is still one man, Micaiah the son of Imlah, by whom we may inquire of the LORD; but I hate him, because he does not prophesy good concerning me, but evil.” And Jehoshaphat said, “Let not the king say such things!” Then the king of Israel called an officer and said, “Bring Micaiah the son of Imlah quickly!” The king of Israel and Jehoshaphat the king of Judah, having put on their robes, sat each on his throne, at a threshing floor at the entrance of the gate of Samaria; and all the prophets prophesied before them. Now Zedekiah the son of Chenaanah had made horns of iron for himself; and he said, “Thus says the LORD: ‘With these you shall gore the Syrians until they are destroyed.’ ” And all the prophets prophesied so, saying, “Go up to Ramoth Gilead and prosper, for the LORD will deliver it into the king’s hand.”

I Kings 22:7-12 NKJV

Jesus warned us in Matthew 24:24 that false prophets would show great signs and wonders in their deceit. Their signs today are elaborate, dazzling, and expensive.

The performance at the gate of Samaria must have been something to behold. Two kings together with their armies, servants, and retinues, 400 prophets, one of whom, Zedekiah, came forward with a dramatic prophecy. He made for himself horns of iron that he either wore on his head or carried in his hands to demonstrate just how great the defeat of Syria would be. As horns of a bull can gore a man to death, so Ahab would gore the king of Syria until he was destroyed.

The great victories against Syria were likely still on the minds of Ahab and these prophets. Twice by the Word of the Lord, Ahab had gone up and defeated Ben-Hadad. Now it was by Ahab’s own word that he wished to go up a third time, and in dramatic fashion his prophets gave him signs to confirm his desire.

How great are the shows and messages of false prophets today who come from elaborate temples and churches. They come with pomp and expense, staff, support, lighting, and drama to tell a message that often leaves the hearer still hungry for the truth as was Jehoshaphat, who by the grace of God saw right through these devices. Can we see through these devices?

How attractive are the shows and theatrics put on by so many. Some have shows of humility; consider the supposed humble life of the Vatican and the Roman Catholic hierarchy.* Some have shows of excess and prosperity; consider the televangelists flying around in jets and calling upon their followers to send money so they can buy bigger jets. Some have shows of wisdom, writing many volumes with great acclaim in order to convince people of their teaching.

Paul tells us if any comes preaching another gospel than the gospel he has preached, which comes from the Lord Himself, the same gospel that Jesus preached, let him be accursed. Many phony gospels have come, are here, and will come. Many devices are used to spread these messages. Do not fall for them. The message the Lord proclaims comes through the ‘foolishness of preaching.’**

How can we avoid false teachers and their devices? Hold fast only to the pure gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ who saves by His grace alone through faith alone in Christ alone who is found in the Scripture alone all for the Glory of God alone. There is no other name in heaven or in earth whereby men might be saved but the name of Jesus Christ. Listen to Him in His Word and avoid the deadly pits built by false teachers.

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*In 1965 Time Magazine estimated the wealth of the Vatican at $10 – $15 billion. Today most sources I read agree that the wealth of the Roman Catholic Church is impossible to tell. The real estate owned by the church alone is likely worth tens of billions or possibly hundreds of billions of dollars. The pedophile crime settlements to date have exceeded $3 billion in cash payouts. And yet, around the world the church pleads for the poor to give more to build more wealth and outward show for the ‘church.’ The shepherds of Rome rob the houses of the poor, orphans, and widows to feed their own power and status. They make themselves out to care for the poor while they plunder those they vow to serve and extend almost nothing of their own resources for the poor in actual support of the poor.

** I Corinthians 1:18-21

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